Gavyn was born on May 2, 2007. He is a great little boy who is very normal outside of having been born blind. He has an eye condition known as Optic Nerve Hypoplasia (ONH) and also has Septo Optic Dysplasia (SOD). At this time, there are no approved nerve generation/regeneration procedures in America. Different conservative therapies are offered and while these are a great help, like any parent, I want more for my son. I want my son to have a chance at seeing the beauty the world has to offer.
The nature of these conditions were only recently discovered (about 30 years ago), and the number of diagnosis in children increases every year. Unfortunately, there is no known cause or complete cure at this time. However, after doing some research, I was pleased to learn that a hand full of countries, such as Germany and Italy, have been doing stem cell treatments on children suffering form the same afflictions using the stem cells from their own bone marrow (as oppose to umbilical cord stem cells as pioneered by China) and have produced astonishing success rates. Since my son has NO vision at this time, any added vision would be considered a success. As stated before, there is no 100% cure, but stem cell therapy has helped children with no vision what so ever to be able to distinguish colors and shapes from a distance of up to 6 feet (Please, see our “About ONH and SOD” tab.)
This site was created to help raise money for Gavyn to have these treatments. The treatments are expensive and we are looking to raise $35,000. This would cover the stem cell procedure cost, travel expenses, food (while there), passports, visas (if needed), etc. Should we surpass our goal, the remaining funds will be donated to families with similar situations. I know of a few other families that are already interested.
Thank you for your support, donations and prayers.
We’re friends of Jeannette and Forrest. I pray this procedure is of help.